What other travelers are saying about Gion Kagai Art Museum
I really recommend you either visit the museum before the performance, or at least speak a little Japanese to get the full experience. It's definitely a tourist destination, but if you take the time to learn about the culture, you'll have an amazing time. The kyomai dance was especially beautiful!
The Gion Kagai Art Museum is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with last admission at 7:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Wednesdays, during mid-March to early May, mid-October to mid-November, year-end and New Year holidays, and on other irregular closure dates. It is recommended to check the official website before visiting to confirm opening days, as the schedule may vary during special events or dance performances.
Photography is permitted in the permanent exhibition areas, and visitors may post photos or videos but should refrain from posting content that may inconvenience other visitors. However, taking photos or videos during the Kyomai dance performances by geiko or maiko is strictly prohibited. For the photo sessions with geiko or maiko, museum staff will take photos using your smartphone, and photography using other cameras is not permitted. Auxiliary photography equipment such as monopods, tripods, or selfie sticks with a total length of 30cm or more is not allowed.
Tickets for Kyomai dance performances are available starting at 11:00 a.m. on performance days, and advance online reservations are available up to one month ahead for combined museum and performance tickets. However, tickets for photo sessions with geiko or maiko are only available from 11:00 a.m. on the day of the photo session and are sold in order of arrival. Since performances can sell out quickly due to limited capacity, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The museum has accessibility limitations. Chairs are provided for visitors during Kyomai dance performances, so guests do not need to sit on the floor. However, the performance venue and certain exhibition areas are located on the second floor, which is only accessible by stairs with no elevator. Visitors should wear socks as tatami flooring covers several rooms. Additionally, luggage storage is not available on the premises, and the museum requests that visitors refrain from bringing large bags due to limited space.
Most visitors find that 2 hours is sufficient to fully experience the museum. This timeframe allows you to explore the permanent exhibition displaying kimono, accessories, and cultural artifacts across two floors, attend one of the 15-minute Kyomai dance performances, stroll through the Chisen Water Garden, and visit The Art Cafe for refreshments. If you plan to participate in a photo session with a geiko or maiko, you may want to allocate additional time, though the photo opportunity itself is brief.
Amazing experience watching the dance performance. No photos and cameras for the performance. Amazing staff, awesome gift store, a must go when in Kyoto. Rich history from the very first dance to where it’s come now. I recommend this to anyone and everyone visiting Kyoto. Pay for the performance as well as the ticket, it’s Worth every penny. I will be back
We attended the 15 min Kyoto Mai dance, performed by a full fledged Geiko, which was really cool to watch. The museum is cool with many Geisha artifacts to read about. In total we probably spent 1 hr.
Came here to watch a Maiko and Geiko dance performance, and it was incredible! Took photos with the Maiko after, and she was so sweet and beautiful.
The museum part is gorgeous, and the souvenir shop has some exquisite hair accessories (amongst many other things)
Even though the performance lasts only about 15 minutes, the visit is absolutely worth it. We were truly impressed and can highly recommend it. There are much more expensive experiences available on platforms like GetYourGuide, but if you don’t have much time in Kyoto, this is just perfect.
